Virginia Heights? (Roanoke, Windsor: low income, appointed, best neighborhoods)

[mccamp]

We're moving to Roanoke in the next month or so and I'm hoping y'all can lend a hand on the various neighborhoods and such.

We're looking at a house in Virginia Heights. Can anyone give us the good, bad and the ugly about the neighborhood. My husband likes it. I haven't seen it yet, but we're hoping that we can get some more detailed information from this forum.

From what I've read and already experienced by just speaking to people in Roanoke, it seems like our kind of town--friendly and open and welcoming. Coming from the Northeast, we're looking forward to a more evenly-paced life. Can't wait.

Any info you can give us will be helpful.

Thank you!

[Steve Turner]

Virginia Heights, per se, is somewhat eclectic. depending on what specific area you are in. But you are in close proximity to the area known as Raleigh Court & Grandin Village-restaurants, theater, organic food store, shops etc. (really nice). Also close to downtown (2-3 miles) with an active night life, great restaurants, farmer's market (all year) festivals throughout the year. It's kind of a "Georgetown" atmosphere and a great place to raise children. Welcome to Roanoke (soon).

[Diamond Dave]

Yeah, it's pretty much Raleigh Court. Neighborhood boundaries are somewhat arbitrary in that part of town. Where does Raleigh Court end and Wasena or Grandin Court begin? If you're south of the river and the neighborhood looks well-kept, then you're alright. (Nothing against our friends in NW or NE!)

[mccamp]

Thanks for the great responses.

In Roanoke, what constitutes a "well-kept" neighborhood? Where we're moving from, "well-kept" means that you have a statue of the Virgin Mary on the front lawn and that a pot of flowers sits on the porch. In Southern Missouri, well-kept means that you don't have your old living room set sitting on the front porch and your old car isn't sitting in the backyard waiting for it to be gutted.

[Steve Turner]

Can't say that I've seen any statues in the front yard!!! You will definately see the potted plants on the porch, for the most part well manicured yards and sidewalks for the evening stroll along the tree lined streets...homes built in the '20s & '30s large brick colonials (4-square as they are called) and the like. When you get here take a look @ Maiden Lane, Windsor Rd. Upper part of Westover Ave, Sherwood Rd.I don't think you'll be disappointed, especially coming into the fall when the leaves turn the tree colors will remind you of a bowl of TRIX cereal.

[coolasamoose]

I don't have much to add to what's been said. We (me, my wife, and daughter) have lived in what is considered Virginia Heights (it's also considered part of Raleigh Court)for two years now. We love it. It's a quiet, well-kept neighborhood that is very close to the Grandin Village which is a neat area. It's a very walkable neighborhood with a mix of young families and retired people. I don't have anything bad to say about it. And, yes, it is beautiful in the fall

coolasamoose

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Steve Turner

Can't say that I've seen any statues in the front yard!!! You will definately see the potted plants on the porch, for the most part well manicured yards and sidewalks for the evening stroll along the tree lined streets...homes built in the '20s & '30s large brick colonials (4-square as they are called) and the like. When you get here take a look @ Maiden Lane, Windsor Rd. Upper part of Westover Ave, Sherwood Rd.I don't think you'll be disappointed, especially coming into the fall when the leaves turn the tree colors will remind you of a bowl of TRIX cereal.

The fall colors looking like a bowl of TRIX cereal - I LOVE that image!

Was curious about this area you mentioned - I have a friend possibly taking a job in Roanoke - what would the home prices be like? And are there any apartments for rent in that vicinity?

[Steve Turner]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

The fall colors looking like a bowl of TRIX cereal - I LOVE that image!

Was curious about this area you mentioned - I have a friend possibly taking a job in Roanoke - what would the home prices be like? And are there any apartments for rent in that vicinity?

Depending on the street, prices range from about $180K to $280K+ . There are some apartment buildings, duplexes and homes converted into duplexes as well as some single family homes to rent.

[KKRN]

Hey! Moving to the area soon and looking at a place on Maiden Lane. I noticed there's a large apartment complex on that street. Does anyone know if it's low income housing and if so, is it a safe neighborhood? THANKS!

[mccamp]

Originally Posted by KKRN

Hey! Moving to the area soon and looking at a place on Maiden Lane. I noticed there's a large apartment complex on that street. Does anyone know if it's low income housing and if so, is it a safe neighborhood? THANKS!

I know exactly the house you're thinking of. The apartment complex is not low-income housing. The architecture of the building leaves a lot to be desired. I know folks who live on that block and they don't have any issues. The building attracts mostly single, older folks and quiet single folks. I walk past the building all the time. Never an issue.

It's a safe neighborhood. One of the best neighborhoods I've ever lived in, by the way. It's diverse and quiet. It boasts a good mix of professionals and "blue collar" folk. Kids ride their bikes. Couples go out for walks. American flags are hung all summer. Really, really, a great place to be.

Good luck!